SHARI (SA818 Ham Allstar Radio Interface) PiHat (Unistorm Case) is a kit construction project for ham radio operators that implements a Raspberry Pi2, Pi3 or Pi4 hosted Allstar node using a NiceRF SA818S embedded UHF (420 – 450 MHz) or a VHF (144-148 MHz) radio module. The radio module and interface circuits are located on a custom Raspberry Pi Hat board. A complete Allstar node can be created with a SHARI PiHat Unistorm Case kit, a Raspberry Pi2, Pi3 or Pi4 (with power supply and microSD card) and an Allstar image.
There are several options available including:
- Pi3 or Pi4 single board computer.
- UHF (70 cm) or VHF (2 meters) ham band.
- Vertical straight antenna or elbow right-angle antenna.
- Optional cooling fan
Features
- Uses CMedia CM108B or CM119B USB Audio IC.
- Uses a NiceRF SA818S UHF (420-450 MHZ) or VHF (144-148MHz) embedded radio module (www.nicerf.com) with an LTCC lowpass output filter
- 250 to 500 milliwatts RF output power
- Raspberry Pi, power supply and microSD card provided by kit builder.
- Unistorm Pi3 or Pi4 rugged, RFI resistant metal enclosure with perforated top for ventilation.
- RX/TX serial connection from the Pi4 GPIO to the SA-818 radio module to change RF module parameters including RF and CTCSS/CDCSS frequencies.
- Clamp-on ferrite provided to mitigate buzz interference from high RF fields near the Pi power supply.
- Two antenna options (Elbow and Straight Rod).
- Cooling fan option (requires no additional holes to be drilled in the case)
Kit Construction
SHARI PiHat (Unistorm Case) is a construction project. It consists of the parts shown in the photo below (straight antenna option shown).
The kit builder supplies the Raspberry Pi, the Pi power supply and a microSD card to complete the self-contained Allstar node.
The kit uses a single circuit board. The circuit board contains installed surface mount parts as well as several through-hole parts and the SA-818S radio that the kit builder installs.
Construction Manual
A comprehensive step-by-step construction/assembly manual to construct an Allstar node using a SHARI PiHat (Unistorm Case) kit is available.
Setup Procedure
Additional Information
Additional information can be found here:
Ordering Information
SHARI PiHat (Unistorm Case) is designed as a kit for construction and use in the amateur radio service by licensed amateur radio operators who can assure that the unit they construct meets 47 CFR Part 97 – Amateur Radio Service required operating requirements including frequency, bandwidth and required power levels at the fundamental and harmonic frequencies.
SHARI PiHat (Unistorm Case)
- Kit – Available as a parts kit for $100 (UHF or VHF, right-angle or straight antenna). You supply the Raspberry Pi, Pi power supply and microSD card to complete your Allstar node . Please be sure to download and study the SHARI PiHat Construction manual to be sure you own the required tools and possess the required mechanical and soldering skills to build the kit.
Additional Options:
– We will solder the SA818S radio module onto the PCB for an additional $5.
– The fan option is $8 - Built – We supply all the parts including the Pi4B and Pi4 power supply. You supply the microSD card and perform the setup of Allstar – A complete assembled and tested unit is $225 ($235 with fan).
Complete the order form and email it as an attachment to kits4hams@gmail.com. We will check your order, add it to our waitlist and notify you with an approximate waiting time, and then send you a invoice when it is ready to ship.
Support
Support of SHARI is provided via the SHARI group at http://www.groups.io/g/shari
The purpose of the SHARI group is to serve as the main hardware support source and discussion group for hams building and using the SHARI Allstar Node. Support of the Allstar distribution you install in your Raspberry Pi and use in conjunction with SHARI is best obtained from the source of the Allstar distribution (i.e. allstarlink.org or hamvoip.org).